The friendliest language lesson of the season...

Being away from family and friends is expecially difficult during the holidays. I know this is true because I've experienced it many times. One particular memory has stuck with me though - a friend who wished me a Merry Christmas in English at a time that I was feeling particularly homesick.

So in an effort to spread the joy around to your friends who aren't native English-speakers, try learning a holiday greeting in their language. I guarantee it will bring a smile to their face... maybe even a little chuckle at your pronunciation. But the sentiment will speak louder than any mispronounced words, so go for it anyway!


Mīlād Majīd ميلاد مجيد
Arabic for "Merry Christmas" as used in Lebanon and several other countries

Veselé Vánoce a šťastný nový rok
Czech language, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"

God jul
Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, lit. "Good Yule"

Gajan Kristnaskon
"Merry Christmas" in Esperanto

Joyeux Noël
French for "Happy Christmas" used in France, French Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Louisiana, Switzerland, the Lebanon and Francophone Africa

Frohe Weihnachten/Fröhliche Weihnachten und ein glückliches/gutes Neues Jahr
German for Merry Christmas/Merry Christmas and a Happy/Good New Year

Boldog karácsonyt
"Merry Christmas" in Hungarian

Buon Natale
Italian for "Happy Christmas"

Feliz Natal
Literally "Happy Nativity" in Portuguese

Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo
Spanish literally "Happy Nativity and prosperous New Year"

Mutlu Noeller
Turkish for "Happy Christmas"